In a time where the Marvel vs DC debate is very passionate and relevant, it is obvious that DC reigns king in regards to animation. Almost every feature released is regarded - at worst - as “good”, with their animated universe seems to be better coordinated than their live-action stuff.
With so many adaptations released each year and with more on the horizon, Warner Bros. have truly seized control of the animated superhero genre. In preparation for the eventual future of the franchise, it's great to look back at the best of the best when it comes to DC's animated films!
Updated on November 19th, 2022 by Kevin Pantoja: The recent passing of Kevin Conroy has Batman fans everywhere crushed. For as long as most fans can remember, he has been the voice of the Caped Crusader. Those who loved him as the character are ready to go back and watch some of the better animated movies starring the hero. In fact, the best Batman animated movies often double as the greatest releases DC has ever put out in an animated format. That's telling of how many great Batman stories have been told over the years. All of these movies are available to stream on HBO Max.
Batman: Assault On Arkham (2013)
Most comic book fans agree that Batman has the best rogues gallery among DC characters. That was on full display in Batman: Assault on Arkham and in fact those villains are so good that they're actually the focal point, rather than Batman himself.
The movie centers on the Suicide Squad, with the main focus being on Harley Quinn and Deadshot. The team infiltrates Arkham Asylum on a mission and must contend with the inmates as well as Batman. The film was praised for the character work and action sequences.
The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
Most animated movies featuring Batman are part of the DC Animated Universe but The LEGO Batman Movie is different. The film is a spin-off of 2014's The LEGO Movie, in which Will Arnett's take on Batman was one of the scene stealers.
Here, he gets to take the main stage and this is a surprisingly poignant Batman tale. It pays homage to the lore of the character, is impressively accurate to the comics, and most importantly, delivers on the comedic elements that fans want from a LEGO story.
Batman: Soul Of The Dragon (2021)
One of the most recent entries into Batman's animated history is Soul of the Dragon, released last year. This feels a lot different from most movies starring the caped crusader because it basically works as a classic martial arts film more than your standard superhero fare.
It's also a completely original story that isn't based on any existing comic. While not everyone wants to see those changes, it is those differences that allow this entry to stand out. That's especially welcome when you see so many of these movies that are so similar to each other.
Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1998)
Again, Batman's outstanding rogues' gallery rears its head with Batman and Mr. Freeze: SubZero. Mr. Freeze is a complex antagonist when done right as he's sympathetic given how most of his deeds are done in an attempt to save his wife from a fatal illness.
Batman and Mr. Freeze: SubZero might be an older entry but it still holds up because of the character work done on Mr. Freeze. Throw in some classic Kevin Conroy voice acting and the fact that it's a sequel to the iconic Mask of the Phantasm and this is great for a reason. It even won a prestigious Annie Award.
Batman: The Long Halloween (2021)
It's interesting to watch Batman: The Long Halloween and hear Jensen Ackles as the voice of Bruce Wayne given his history from Under the Red Hood. He gets to take on the role in The Long Halloween, which is an adaptation of one of the most memorable Batman stories ever.
The movie is broken up into two parts which is perfect because of how deep the tale is. This adaptation manages to make good use of the story and tells a haunting story that is already ranked among the greatest in Batman animation history.
Batman: Gotham Knight (2008)
Gotham Knight was an anthology film released in 2008 in between the release of Christopher Nolan's live-action films Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. The film was loosely connected to the live-action series and featured a few different stories about Batman as told by a group of children.
Each story featured an anime-influenced take on Batman from a different creator that explores different aspects of Gotham's protector from the early days of DC's Original Animated Universe line of films.
Son Of Batman (2014)
Like most of the DC Original Animated Universe line, Son of Batman is based on an actual comic storyline (Grant Morrison and Adam Kubert's Batman & Son) though it changes a few details that often help streamline the story.
Son of Batman introduces Damian Wayne, son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, as he comes to Gotham to learn alongside his father after the mercenary known as Deathstroke attacked his former home. This film launched a new series of films based around Damian that we'll be discussing more of today.
Batman Vs. Robin (2015)
2015's Batman vs. Robin again focused on Damian Wayne's evolution into Robin as he frequently butted heads with his father over his rules about no killing, though the film also adapted one of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's hit New 52 storylines.
The film introduces the Court of Owls, an ancient secret society that has manipulated Gotham for years with an army of Talon soldiers. Watch for the titular fight scenes between the dynamic duo, but stay for the Court of Owls.
Batman: Bad Blood (2016)
Batman: Bad Blood brought a few different comic storylines together as it focused on introducing new characters like Kate Kane/Batwoman and Luke Fox/Batwing to the animated universe to help Gotham City at a time of need.
The film also adapted Morrison and Frank Quitely's Batman and Robin series that saw Dick Grayson/Nightwing step into the role of Batman after his mentor was missing and presumed dead. This film succeeds in introducing the new characters while perfectly capturing the fun dynamic between Dick and Damian as the dynamic duo.
Batman Vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2019)
Based on the hit comic crossover series from James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams III, Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a unique entry in DC's Original Animated Universe that is not to be missed.
The film follows Batman, Robin, and Batgirl as they work alongside the four brothers from TMNT to track down the combined forces of Shredder and Ra's al Ghul and their respective armies, the Foot Clan and the League of Assasins, to kick some serious butt together.
Batman: Return Of The Caped Crusaders (2016)
If you are any fan of Adam West’s time in the cape and cowl, then Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders is a must-watch. Voiced by much of the original cast (including Adam West and Burt Ward), this animated movie perfectly captures the cheesy charm of the original series. The plot follows Batman and Robin as they attempt to thwart a plot from the Joker, Riddler, Penguin, and Catwoman. However, things begin to take a strange turn when Batman has a sudden personality change.
The whole movie is full of corny lines, a zany plot, PSAs, and ridiculous antics that were all common with the original TV series. Though not at all a serious take on the character, Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders is a very fun nostalgia trip that any fan of the TV series would be happy to see.
Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker (2000)
The original Batman Beyond TV series remains a fan favorite for many. The studio took a gamble introducing a younger Batman with Terry McGuiness; luckily, it proved to be a big success. The show also featured a darker tone and a much older Bruce Wayne (still voiced by Kevin Conroy) who served as a bridge to the original animated series. So, when the movie came out advertising the return of Batman’s most dangerous villain, the Joker, fans were pretty excited.
Furthermore, the movie did not disappoint. Seeing the Joker (again, voiced by Mark Hamill) terrorize Neo-Gotham, Bruce Wayne, and the new Batman made for a very wild ride and highly original story. The film also tells a more detective-driven story with a surprising amount of twists and turns for a kids movie. Terry is challenged in almost every manner by the Joker and, through his own means, is able to prove he is worthy to be called Batman.
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010)
Based on the comic storyline, Superman/Batman: Supergirl, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse also follows the reintroduction of Superman’s cousin, Kara into the world of DC. Following her death in Crisis on Infinite Earths, Kara wouldn’t reemerge until many years later, with other people filling in as Supergirl. This version of the movie chiefly adheres to the plotline of the book, yet doesn’t quite capture the true brilliance of Michael Turner’s art style.
While also following Superman very closely, Batman still has his moments to shine in both interpretations. The film really captures just how smart Batman is as he maneuvers around enemy strategies. It also shows just how threatening he can be through his confrontation with Darkseid. While not quite as good as its predecessor, Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, this movie is still a fun ride that captures what everyone loves about Batman.
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009)
A year before Apocalypse came out, Superman/Batman: Public Enemies debuted. This animated movie follows the graphic novel of the same name and also sticks very close to the source material. While Apocalypse shows off more of Batman’s brainy side, Public Enemies focuses a lot more on drawing parallels between Batman and Superman. This allows for a deeper exploration of Batman’s humanity, while still incorporating a great, action-packed story.
The supporting cast is also significantly greater in Public Enemies, making it much more interesting to hardcore DC fans. While the art follows closely in line with the style in the novel, its classic cartoony feel can be hit or miss with some viewers. However, if you are a fan of the two characters, you especially won’t want to miss out on this great animated feature.
The Batman Superman Movie: World’s Finest (1997)
For whatever reason, many of the best Batman movies also feature Superman, and 1997’s The Batman Superman Movie: World’s Finest is no exception. Done in the popular styling of Bruce Timm’s art and featuring voices of Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, and Tim Daly, this animated movie is a must watch for any fan of the original animated series. After the Joker and Lex Luthor team up, The Caped Crusader and the Man of Steel must also do so in order to thwart their evil plan and save Superman.
Much like Return of the Caped Crusaders, World’s Finest is another great nostalgia trip for anyone who revisits it today. It captures all the heart and humor that both original series did while also maintaining some more mature themes. For any fan of the 90’s cartoon, this is an essential watch.
Batman: Year One (2011)
To this day, people look to Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One graphic novel as the definitive origin story for Batman. This interpretation of Bruce Wayne’s early days as the Dark Knight is so popular, that many of this story’ details found their way into Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins (2005). Fortunately for fans, the animated version of the story is very faithful to the source material, making this version a great place for newcomers to jump aboard and familiarize themselves with Batman’s early days.
Year One also captures the same tone as the comic and takes minimal liberties of its own. For fans of the comic, newcomers, or anyone looking for a great story in general, Batman: Year One is not to be missed.
Batman: Gotham By Gaslight (2018)
Gotham by Gaslight takes the most liberties while adapting the story. Since the original is so short, a lot of material was added for the animated feature. The movie really succeeds in this regard as a lot of what is new is also interesting to see. Many of the changes help develop the world further without detracting from the main story. Gotham by Gaslight follows Batman in the Victorian era as he hunts down the infamous Jack the Ripper. Along the way, viewers are introduced to different interpretations of Batman’s supporting cast, such as the Robins and Catwoman.
The biggest difference between the animated movie and the original comic is in the identity of Jack the Ripper. While some fans had an issue with the twist, it’s not a major enough change to really warrant so much fuss, especially considering the fact that it is a “What if?” type of story. As a whole, Gotham by Gaslight stands as a strong Batman story in and of its own that would greatly appeal to those who like a twist on a classic character.
Batman: Under The Red Hood (2010)
While Batman: Under the Red Hood definitely takes some liberties with its comic book counterpart, it is still one of the strongest animated adaptations to date. The differences are minor and are mostly made to make the film easier to approach for those who are unfamiliar with the comics. Supernatural’s Jensen Ackles even joins the mix as Gotham’s newest vigilante, The Red Hood. As Batman tries to discover the motives and identity of this new rival, secrets from the past begin to surface.
Under the Red Hood also covers a wide array of supporting characters once again. What makes it stand out among the others, however, is how well t adapts the themes of the book. In the comic version, many of Batman’s motives and reasonings are brought to question. The movie does an equally fantastic job of showing this side of the Dark Knight. Mixed with some stellar voice acting and stunning animation, Batman: Under the Red Hood is a hard one to miss.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Parts I & II (2012;2013)
A more faithful adaptation of a comic book than Batman: The Dark Knight Returns probably does not exist. Like with Year One, The Dark Knight Returns is another Frank Miller Batman tale. Among the comic community, The Dark Knight Returns is considered by many to be the best Batman story ever written. This time, the story focuses on an older Bruce Wayne who has retired the mantle of Batman. As things start to get worse and worse in Gotham due to the Bat’s absence, Bruce must once again don the cape and cowl to fight crime as the Batman.
The movie’s creative team showed such passion for the source material that they attempted to replicate every detail as best they could. This dedication definitely shows in the final product. Along with the movie being split into two parts, the similarities are uncanny. All of the emotional moments and action sequences transfer so well, while the tone and voice acting are incredible. Those who haven’t seen The Dark Knight Returns are truly missing out on one of the best that Batman and animation have to offer.
Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (1993)
Mask of the Phantasm truly shines in that it successfully manages to tell an original story that fits comfortably within the rest of the Batman mythos. Originally intended as a made-for-tv movie, the studio executives liked it so much that they decided to release it into theaters. The story follows Batman as a current mystery digs up moments of his past. The plot bounces back and forth nicely while showing Bruce struggle with his true identity on the cusp of becoming Batman.
There’s love, loss, action, new and old villains, and generally great Batman moments. Like with World’s Finest, the movie is done in Bruce Timm’s art style, making it perfect for any fan of the 90’s series. While the big reveal may now be very predictable, the movie is still held in such high regard as it successfully launched a whole new era of Batman fans. Anyone who saw this movie in theaters as a kid can rewatch it to relive those fond memories.